From a press release issued by Z1 Cycletech:

TORONTO, ON — Andrew Nelson and Z1 Cycletech have joined forces to compete in the Parts Canada Superbike series and select AMA rounds. The Honda Canada supported rider will run on the new CBR600RR as well as the CBR954RR.

Tuner and Z1 Cycletech owner Zaid Saleemi already has a year of development work on the Honda CBR954RR in the Canadian superbike series last year.

“Andrew Nelson is young, he has the talent to succeed at the national level, here in Canada and in the States. Z1 Cycletech is happy to provide the support to make that happen. We’ll be working closely with Andrew’s father, Rick Nelson, who has been a big part of Andrew’s success” said Saleemi.

Z1 Cycletech is a motorcycle performance and accessories shop in Toronto, Canada. Other Z1 Cycletech supported pro riders include #37 John Brundl, #25 Shane LeGros, #117 Piero Zambotti and numerous amateur racers.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

From a U.S. Army Captain we know in Iraq, who will remain anonymous:

Hello from Mosul.

Not a lot has happened since I last corresponded with everyone, they have me on the night shift this week. All the captains are taking turns rotating through the night shift each week. Starting to get really hot here, 104 by midday. We try to run just as the sun comes up, ’cause shortly after that it is too hot to do anything.

It’s kind of funny, but no one admits to being a former Iraqi soldier until money is involved. We are hiring ex-soldiers to do certain things around the area, but you can’t find any until you mention the word money. Then they come knocking your door down. It’s even more funny when they think that their rank means something. Like ex-Iraqi generals–they are about a dime a dozen, and they really like it when Americans tell ’em to ‘pound sand, chief, you’re in my world now, grandma, and we ain’t doing it like that.’ They get flustered for a second or two, then they realize we were kicking their butt up and down the desert floor a few short days ago.

Some more stories–seems that the Iraqis think some far-out things about U.S. soldiers. Rumor is you have to eat one of your own relatives if you are in an airborne unit. They see your jumpwings and get scared big time (especially if you’re in the 82nd).

They also believe we have X-ray goggles and our cameras can see their thoughts. The more patches and badges you have on you the more fearsome you must be in their eyes.

One of my old Sergeants from Crusader battery is from Lebanon and speaks Arabic fluently. He is our COL’s personal translator, and having been one of my NCOs for a year always comes downtown with me. He’s handy to have around – like when kids come and gather around your vehicles. I say the arabic word for “go away” but they won’t budge, then he starts rattling off stuff and they run away screaming. I ask him what he says, he just smiles and says “I love kids.”

He’s even better with food bargaining. He found the head guy who controls all meat that moves in and out of Mosul — I guess its sort of a mafiaso thing, but he got us two of the best sheep he’d ever seen. When he saw the sheep he started squealing for joy, and 15 minutes later he bagged enough meat to have two lamb kabobs per soldier here. Then we invited the Division band to come play at our meal.

So picture this: 110 guys sitting about 50m up on a bluff above the Tigris River having a lamb-kabob barbeque with the Division band playing a light jazz number in the background on what used to be the back porch of Chemical Ali’s house overlooking Mosul, with a couple of ammo caches still burning from where we destroyed them that day. Now I am not saying that we are living well, but for a few moments we were kings. That sort of thing doesn’t happen every day – I promise.

Mail and packages seem to be flowing at about a 2-3 week pace. So soldiers can’t complain and nor can I. Thanks for all the mail and packages. Trust me, everything gets used or eaten or read or whatever the case may be.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A benefit endurance event is planned to raise money towards finding a cure for kidney disease.

The Seattle 100 is scheduled to take place Friday, June 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Pacific Raceways in Auburn, Washington, in conjunction with an Adrenaline Freaks Track Day. According to organizers, it’s not a race, but an endurance event to raise money for the NephCure Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding the cause and cure of glomerular kidney disease.

This event will include 15 sponsored riders who will be seeking cash pledges based on the number of laps they complete. Each rider’s goal is to do 100 laps, 230 miles, by the lap deadline of 4:00 p.m. with all money raised going to the NephCure Foundation.

Seattle 100 T-shirts are for sale to help commemorate the event. The shirts cost $16 each, and will be sold before, during, and after the event, with all proceeds being donated. The T-shirts will be available on the Saturday and Sunday following the Seattle 100, during a WMRRA race weekend at Pacific Raceway.

For more information contact Brian Orton, phone (206) 676-5683, FAX (206) 441-6312, e-mail [email protected].

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

American Honda’s Miguel Duhamel went into last weekend’s AMA event at Road Atlanta with an 11-day-old broken collarbone and came away happy with his results despite skipping the Supersport race and riding in fear most of the weekend.

“This weekend wasn’t too bad on the bike,” said Duhamel via cell phone from his Montreal, Canada home. “I was really lucky that the position on the bike wasn’t giving me too much pain and grief. Some positions I was really struggling. To put my pants on or my socks on, I can’t even do that. So I feel pretty fortunate I was able to ride the bike.

“There was some pain, but it wasn’t too bad. It was a dull, long pain. It wasn’t a big, sharp pain. That big sharp pain only happened once every 10 laps. That’s not bad at all. It was my first time racing with a broken shoulder, but I guess you could say it (went) well. It (was) painful and all that; you have to be careful on how you make certain moves and all that.

“Saturday was actually a good race for us,” continued Duhamel. “I was running fifth behind all those guys in front of me. Kurtis (Roberts) had about a two-and-a-half-second gap on me, but our lap times were equal – low-1:25s. Then over the radio – I’ve got radio communications and, obviously, this is a good argument to have radio communications – I heard Mat (Mladin) had just tipped over because his rear tire exploded. That rear tire was the same rear tire I was running on my bike, and mine was vibrating. As soon as I heard that, you can put two and two together. You see my lap times went from low-1:25s to 1:27s to 1:30 to 1:32s. A tire blowing up, I can’t deal with that right now. Chunking, I’m OK.”

But track conditions were a big factor in Duhamel’s race plans on Sunday. Saying he was already more “roughed up” on Sunday than on Friday, Duhamel added, “And to be honest, the weather was totally not right for me to ride. The half-wet-half-dry condition, anything like that, I was kind of fearing that going into the weekend.

“If it was dry I think I would’ve given it (the Supersport race) a shot, just to ride around and be safe. But our racetracks here in America, they got tar on them, they got cracks with tar on them. They’re pretty messed up, and there’s always water seeping here and water seeping there. I didn’t want to be at the mercy of bad luck and hit one of those cracks.

“The 600 Championship…unfortunately, Jamie got hit or fell, and it tightened up the points a little bit. But I didn’t know that beforehand. It looked like it could be an in-between situation there, and I was pretty tired still from the operation. The anesthesia and all that stays in your body for a while.

“There was no pressure on (Honda’s) part for me to race,” said Duhamel. “They were just happy to see me out there trying to do something. After talking to Chuck (Miller, American Honda Racing Teams Manager), he really felt it was the best thing not to race. I was really happy because that was what I was thinking. I didn’t think I should be out there.

“But on the Superbike, I think it’s more controllable. There’s more of a tire selection, and it’s a little bit more of a controlled environment.

“It turned out the track was dry (for Sunday’s Superbike race). I don’t know if you could tell from my riding, it wasn’t just my shoulder. It was me being extremely cautious out there.

“I had an extreme fogging problem (in the second Superbike race). I couldn’t see where the hell I was going. And running slicks and those cracks we were talking about. So I took at least half of the race to make sure everything’s warmed up, everything’s good, I’ve established my lines, there’s nothing on those lines. Like I said, I wasn’t racing for the win. I was just there to get some points.

“I guess the weekend for me can be summed up with fear. Fear of the tire blowing up and fear of the water seeping up through the cracks on Sunday.”

Asked if he will continue to race the CBR600RR in Supersport, Duhamel said, “Yeah, I’m going to get back on that bike. The bike is good; I’ve said it from day one.

“Actually, it was working pretty good. We showed up there with my injury, and I was able to match my time I did when we were there in the dry for three days just testing. So of course the whole weekend I was bumming because I knew I wasn’t 100 percent and I was doing some really good lap times in 600 and in Superbike. So I was bumming I couldn’t throw the bike around a little bit harder and be a little bit stronger through some sections. I definitely felt I would be a player for a podium or even a win.

“I’m pretty excited about (racing the 600 again). I don’t know if it will be at Colorado, but for sure I’m going to finish out the season. Obviously, the Championship is out of reach, but I still want to post some CBR600RR wins on the board because I know we can get them.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

I just read the post about Woody Deatherage and a thought came to mind.

Is the AMA and or Road Atlanta going to rethink the new section? Last year Anthony Gobert and Doug Chandler crashed and were injured and the outcry from the factories and the AMA resulted in the change to the track.

I was standing in the back when Steve Rapp had his crash and could not believe the end result, fortunately he was not hurt. Now we add Woody’s crash in the same place. I would like to think that they value Steve and Woody as much as they do Anthony and Doug, but maybe not.

Just look at how the 250 guys are being treated for next year, we have been told for a few years now that there would be a 2-year notice before a class was replaced (I know we aren’t replaced—-right).

So much for the AMA’s word and its value of its riders.

Woody, Get Well Soon, you deserve better.

Greg Esser
(Lowly 250cc Grand Prix Guy)
Pompano Beach, Florida

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Roadracingworld.com received an update on Brian Livengood’s condition from Livengood’s close friend, photographer Vicki Sulpy, via phone Wednesday afternoon.

Sulpy told Roadracingworld.com, “I was just at the hospital and Brian is doing much better. He is still on a respirator but is almost breathing totally on his own, and should be off it (the respirator) in the next couple of days.

“He is still in ICU,” continued Sulpy. “And he will be there for another next couple of days.”

Livengood crashed in the back-straight kink at Road Atlanta Friday, during AMA Superbike qualifying, and was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to AMA officials the crash was caused by a suspected rear tire failure

Further updates will be issued as they are available.

Cards can be sent to Livengood at 2834 Shane Dr., Snellville, GA 30078 or via e-mail, [email protected]

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Matt Furtek underwent surgery on his right arm Tuesday mourning.

The surgery was to relocate a pinched nerve, which was causing Furtek to experience numbness in his fingers and hand while riding.

Furtek will miss the upcoming AMA race in Pikes Peak, Colorado and is scheduled to return for the following round at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

For Pikes Peak, Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp will fill in for Furtek in 750cc Superstock, as well as competing in Formula Xtreme.

From a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM PREVIEW

French Grand Prix
Le Mans
May 23/24/25 2003

FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM HOPE FOR NEW START IN FRANCE

This weekend the Fortuna Yamaha Team heads to Le Mans in France for the second European round of the 2003 MotoGP World Championship. The French circuit has been the scene of great success for Yamaha in the past, and the Fortuna Yamaha Team is hoping to continue that success this weekend.

The Le Mans circuit is one of the most important and historic racing venues in the world, and Fortuna Yamaha riders Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri will be using every effort to make history themselves with their Yamaha YZR-M1 machines, especially since both riders have had difficult starts to their 2003 seasons.

The Fortuna Yamaha Team and the MotoGP paddock will then move on to the Italian Grand Prix in the scenic Tuscan circuit of Mugello on June 8.


FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM HEAD TO LE MANS FRESH FROM TWO DAY TEST

The Fortuna Yamaha Team heads to Le Mans this week after its two day test in Mugello last week. During the test the team continued the good form that was evident in Jerez two weeks ago but sadly not able to be exploited in the race itself. The unlucky electrical problem that forced Carlos Checa out of the race, and the nagging back pain that forced convalescing rider Marco Melandri to slow his pace, are obstacles that the Fortuna Yamaha Team hopes to leave behind.

Fortuna Yamaha Team director Davide Brivio is intent on helping his riders to achieve the results he feels they and the team deserve this weekend in Le Mans, “Poor Carlos was unlucky in Jerez because we had an electrical problem that stopped him having a good race,” said Brivio. “It’s a shame that we couldn’t show our progress properly. Carlos was in a good position and doing good lap times when the problem occurred. We worked well with him during the weekend – he was in the top group of riders and had the full possibility to keep up with them in the race. We will keep using all our energy and effort to help him in Le Mans.”

Brivio is pleased that both riders had the opportunity to test in Mugello last week, “We made some improvements for Carlos as well during last week’s test. We are again evaluating the new chassis that he first tested in Suzuka and then in Mugello for the second time last week. We are seriously considering using that chassis in Le Mans – we will analyse the data and see what the results suggest.

“Marco was finally able to race for the first time this year in Jerez. On top of his leg injuries he had the added problem of his back pain but he should feel better each time he goes out on the bike. The first part of his race in Jerez was good and he was up with the top riders. We look forward to seeing how he gets on in Le Mans. I think that both of our riders have had an unlucky start to this season and I just hope that things change now and get better and better. We have every reason to remain positive and keep working hard.”

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

Due to the stop and go nature of the Le Mans circuit, engineers will dial the YZR-M1 as they did in Jerez for the previous round, so that it sports a firm front-end to deal with the aggressive weight transfer that will take place entering the circuit’s many tight hairpins. At the same time, however, the forks need to possess the ability to soak up any bumps that may litter the entrance to each of these turns.

To achieve this the spring rates and compression damping will be set slightly firmer than for Jerez, even though the bumps into the turns are not as drastic, but the braking forces are. Meanwhile the fork rebound will be dialed in to offer a more controlled return to full length. This will be done in an effort to offer stability as the rider makes the somewhat aggressive, almost ‘light switch’ like transition from the brakes to the throttle.

Since 2002 Yamaha engineers have further refined the braking stability of the YZR-M1 with each evolution of the Deltabox chassis, in addition to the improved engine braking system. This effort should pay dividends at the French circuit. To ensure the best possible chance of success Fortuna Yamaha Team riders Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri focused their efforts during the two-day Mugello test in extensive Michelin tyre tests and fine-tuning the chassis balance of the four-stroke.

Checa also used the opportunity to sample the new Deltabox chassis, first tested in Suzuka following the opening round of the championship. The unit appeared to offer some benefits over the current frame used in Jerez – the Fortuna Yamaha Team are analysing the data and it seems likely that Checa will use the new package in Le Mans.

In addition to the heavy fork springs and compression damping the M1’s attitude will be set to ensure stability with the rear under brakes. This is achieved with a lower rear ride-height, lowering the centre of gravity, in turn helping to prevent the rear tyre from rising off the track’s surface while braking. In doing so drive must not be compromised too extensively; but with the rear ride-height reduced for stability the ability to hold the line while exiting a corner will be reduced. Therefore a softer rear spring rate will feature on the M1 for good predictable feedback, but it will be dialed in with a high degree of preload to prevent the rear-end from squatting under power as the weight transfers to the back of the bike.

CHECA HOPES HE CAN TURN DISAPPOINTMENT TO SUCCESS

Carlos Checa had a disappointing home Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain two weeks ago as he was forced to pull out of the race due to electrical problems with his Yamaha YZR-M1. The popular Spaniard had had a good weekend and was riding in sixth position in the tight race when the problem happened. Checa currently lies twelfth in the championship standings but feels that he is on the way to turning his fortune around.

“I feel positive about Le Mans as my form improved during the Jerez Grand Prix and at our test last week in Mugello”, said Checa. ” I had a good position at the beginning of the race in Jerez and it’s just a shame what happened. We had a glitch that we had never had before and I had no control – it was very frustrating for me and for the team. Yamaha have worked so hard and so it’s a shame that we did not find the level we had in Jerez during the winter testing. Anyway I believe we have both the capability, hard work and determination to continue that level now, I think we can do well in Le Mans.”

Checa went straight on after the Spanish Grand Prix to test with his team at the Italian circuit of Mugello last week. Checa displayed fine form during the test, beating the circuit lap record and testing new tyres for Michelin as well as the new generation M1 chassis, which he had briefly tested before in Suzuka. Unfortunately the Catalan-born rider had a few spills during the two days and although disappointed because of that, still felt that the test showed what he can be capable of at the French Grand Prix next weekend, “Le Mans is a good track for us and I think that we are ready to fight for the top positions”, said the optimistic Checa. “I don’t think that we will have any big problems there. I hope that they will have done something to change the gravelly chicane since last year – I think it would be good to have something other than gravel there.”

Checa has good reason to be concerned about the gravel since he fell in last year’s French Grand Prix on gravel that had been scattered onto the Chemin aux Boeufs chicane by another rider’s off-track excursion, and did not finish the race. This was a bitter disappointment after starting from second place on the grid and having ridden well all weekend.

MELANDRI’S HEALTH IMPROVING DAILY

It has been a hard month for Italian youngster Marco Melandri, and probably the toughest start to any season he has known in his relatively short career. The 20-year-old 250cc World Champion has been desperate to recover from multiple leg injuries since crashing out of the first morning practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix over six weeks ago.

Forced to sit out of both the Suzuka and Welkom Grands Prix, Melandri made his comeback at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez two weeks ago. Since his accident in Japan he received extensive physiotherapy near his home town in Italy, and was given the ‘all-clear’ to return to the action in Jerez. It is no wonder the Ravenna-born racer has the nickname ‘Macio’ as this was just one month since fracturing his ankle in two places and chipping his femur.

Despite back pain, which was no doubt caused by the Italian adapting his movement to cope with his leg injuries, Melandri rode consistently during the Jerez weekend. By race day he was determined to fight hard in the fray, and impressively battled his way up to ninth position before his aching back led him to run off the track and then slow down. Melandri finally finished the race in sixteenth position, and as yet does not have any points in the World Championship. He is however relieved to have completed his first race of the season, and is revved up for this weekend’s French Grand Prix.

“I like Le Mans, I finished second there last year, and third the year before,” noted Melandri. “Last year I was injured there on the Saturday and I had some problems during the race but I still managed to finish in second position. This will be my first time there on the M1, and I remember well that Yamaha are always very competitive there. It’s not so much of a technical track, it’s one corner then a straight, one corner then another straight, and on like that. Any racing circuit is never simple but I think that it won’t be too difficult to learn this circuit quickly on the M1.”

Melandri went directly from the previous Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain to a two day test at one of his home local circuits in Mugello, Italy. The Fortuna Yamaha Team spent the two days working hard on set-up and it was an ideal opportunity for Melandri to continue his recouperation and test his riding ability again. Melandri had visited his local doctor before testing for a general check-up and was advised that the best training he could do was to get back on his bike.

“I went for an ultrasound on my back with my local doctor before the Mugello test,” explained Melandri. “The problems I had in Jerez ironically involved a bone in my back, not in my leg where I was injured. My back had not
properly straightened since Suzuka, and after one month this took its toll on the muscles and ligaments. My back felt so much better at the Mugello test last week, just a bit stiff.”


CARLOS CHECA : INFORMATION
Age: 30
Lives: Great Ayton, England
Bike: Fortuna Yamaha Team YZR-M1
GP victories: 2 (500)
First GP victory: Catalunya, 1996 (500)
First GP: Europe, 1993 (125)
GP starts: 139 (19 x MotoGP, 92×500, 27×250, 1×125)
Pole positions: 2 (1 x MotoGP, 1 x 500)
First pole: Spain, 1998 (500)
Le Mans 2002 results. Grid: 2nd, Race: DNF

MARCO MELANDRI : INFORMATION
Age: 20
Lives: Derby, England
Bike: Fortuna Yamaha Team YZR-M1
GP victories: 17 (10 x 250, 7 x 125)
First GP victory: Assen, 1998 (125)
First GP: Brno, 1997 (125)
GP starts: 77 (1 x MotoGP, 42 x 250, 34 x 125)
Pole positions: 8
First pole: Sachsenring, 1998 (125)

Le Mans MotoGP lap record
Valentino Rossi 1’36.846 (2002)

Circuit best lap
Valentino Rossi 1’36.046 (2002)

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Church of Speed’s Motorcycle Festival of Speed is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8 at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, Louisiana.

The festival will include road racing, drag racing, a stunt-riding competition and other activities, including a battle of the bands, and a trophy girl contest. Event organizers say all events feature cash or product purses.

Road Race Purse:

Expert:
Heavyweight: 2-race format, with combined point totals form both races, 75% payback with a $1500 minimum
Mediumweight: 75% payback with a $1000 minimum

Novice:
1st–One set of tires, 3 brake cards and 15 gallons race gas
2nd–One rear tire, 2 brake cards and 15 gallons race gas
3rd–One front tire, 1 brake card and 15 gallons race gas
* Novice Heavyweight will combine the point totals from both races.

Lightweight: Combined Expert and Novice, 75% payback with a $1000 minimum

Stunt Purse, 75% payback with a $1000 minimum

Other purses include over $1000 split among three classes of drag racing, a $1500 trophy girl contest, and a $1500 battle of the bands.

For more information, call Kevin Nolde at (225) 383-7743 days, (225) 675-5879 evenings, e-mail [email protected] or go to www.churchofspeed.us

From a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Honda people ­ Iain MacPherson

Hard-charging Scotsman Iain MacPherson is enjoying a new-found desire for racing after opting to visit a sports psychologist ­ introducing the seemingly popular sports trend to motorcycle racing.

MacPherson arrived home from a disappointing round three of the World Supersport championship in Japan and decided to take action.

“Things weren¹t right at Sugo,” explains Van Zon Honda rider MacPherson. “I crashed too much in Japan, had no confidence on the bike and had generally lost my way.”

MacPherson chose to follow in the footsteps of many top sporting stars – leading figures in the golf and tennis claim to have rekindled their form and success from such visits.

“I didn’t have a problem with seeking a bit of help,” continues MacPherson. “I knew something wasn’t quite right in my head and it could probably be sorted pretty easily.”

MacPherson’s theory was proven right and after a discussion with his local psychologist the determined CBR600RR rider bounced back with his refreshed outlook at the Monza, Italy fourth round of the series.

He explains: “It’s nothing major that the sports psychologist guy has done, just a combination of little things ­ almost reminding me of why I go
racing!

“I arrived at Monza with a completely new outlook. I made a point of walking the track, writing notes, analysing my approach to each practice session and being more disciplined in general.”

And MacPherson is ready to ignore – with a smile – any cynics who would dismiss the use of a psychologist.

“I’m not bothered what other people think,” says MacPherson. “If you think you’ve got a problem you go and get it sorted and it’s been well worth it for me.”

And the response was impressive as MacPherson took third place in Sunday’s fourth round of the championship at Monza ­ scooping his first championship points of the 2003 campaign.

“Nobody would ever know if visiting a psychologist made any difference but my weekend at Monza was enjoyable, from start to finish,” admits MacPherson. “And the result was right too.”

While most riders’ pre-race options include suspension settings and tyres, MacPherson has just added an ingredient he hopes will set him on his way for a successful 2003 season.

“After Japan I knew it couldn’t really get any worse so visiting the sports psychologist and taking third place at Monza is probably more than a coincidence ­ I’ll be buying him a beer when I get back to Scotland!”